MR and hyperthermia: Exploiting similarities for mutual benefit

Monitoring of RF hyperthermia treatment by means of Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the logical thing to do. MRI is a versatile imaging modality capable of imaging anatomy, physiology and moreover, temperature. Thus, detailed treatment monitoring of hyperthermia becomes possible. In the last 10 to 15 years various successful MRI/hyperthermia systems have been built. In this same period, RF technology in MRI has undergone a tremendous expansion. This growth originates mainly from the RF challenges of going towards higher magnetic field strengths. Some of these developments offer very new exciting opportunities for hyperthermia and especially for hybrid MRI/hyperthermia systems. In this paper we discuss some of these prospects paving the way to next generation hybrid hyperthermia/MRI systems.